Quantification of various growth factors in different demineralized bone matrix preparations

Induced membrane technique for treating tibial defects gives mixed results

Aims

This study describes the use of the Masquelet technique to treat segmental tibial bone loss in 12 patients.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective case series reviewed 12 patients treated between 2010 and 2015 to determine their clinical outcome. Patients were mostly male with a mean age of 36 years (16 to 62). The outcomes recorded included union, infection and amputation. The mean follow-up was 675 days (403 to 952).

Results

The mean tibial defect measured 5.8 cm (2 to 15) in length. Of the 12 patients, 11 had an open fracture. Eight underwent fixation with an intramedullary nail, three with plates and one with a Taylor Spatial Frame. The mean interval between stages was 57 days (35 to 89). Bony union was achieved in only five patients. Five patients experienced infective complications during treatment, with two requiring amputation because of severe infection.

Conclusion

The Masquelet technique was relatively ineffective in achieving union in this series, and was associated with a high rate of infection. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:680–5.

* Demineralized Bone Matrix as a Carrier for Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2: Burst Release Combined with Long-Term Binding and Osteoinductive Activity Evaluated In Vitro and In Vivo

To allow bone defect regeneration, autologous bone grafting still represents the gold standard. However, autograft harvesting has limitations, including an additional surgery, donor site morbidity, and limited availability. Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) would represent an alternative, yet lacks sufficient osteoinductive properties. Combining DBM with a potent agent, such as bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) might be a feasible alternative approach, optimizing an established grafting material with strong osteoinductive properties. A unique mixing device has been developed that enables perioperative handling to reach a homogeneous and standardized paste for bone defect filling. DBM proved in vitro to be a suitable carrier for BMP-2, with a documented release over 56 days at concentrations sufficient to stimulate osteogenic differentiation. At the end of the elution experiment, 56 days, bioactive BMP was still captured within the DBM. Using a sheep drill hole defect model, DBM perioperatively mixed with BMP-2 showed strong osteoinductive properties comparable to those of autologous bone and outnumbering the one of DBM alone or empty defects. Bone defect healing was enabled at diaphyseal and metaphyseal defects and thus BMP-2-doped DBM represented an easy perioperative enriching method and an efficient carrier for BMP-2. With the comparability to the clinical gold standard autologous bone, DBM mixed with BMP-2 might serve as possible alternative grafting material enabling a controlled osteogenic stimulation.

The Role of TGFβ in Bone-Muscle Crosstalk

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The role of bone-derived factors in regulation of skeletal muscle function is an important emerging aspect of research into bone-muscle crosstalk. Implications for this area of research are far reaching and include understanding skeletal muscle weakness in cancer, osteoporosis, cachexia, rare diseases of bone, and aging.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent research shows that bone-derived factors can lead to changes in the skeletal muscle. These changes can either be anabolic or catabolic, and we focus this review on the role of TGFβ in driving oxidative stress and skeletal muscle weakness in the setting of osteolytic cancer in the bone. The bone is a preferred site for breast cancer metastasis and leads to pathological bone loss. Osteolytic cancer in the bone leads to release of TGFβ from the bone via osteoclast-mediated bone destruction. Our appreciation of crosstalk between the muscle and bone has recently expanded beyond mechanical force-driven events to encompass a variety of signaling factors originating in one tissue and communicating to the other. This review summarizes some previously known mediators of bone-to-muscle signaling and also recent work identifying a new role for bone-derived TGFβ as a cause of skeletal muscle weakness in the setting of osteolytic cancer in the bone. Multiple points of potential therapeutic intervention are discussed.

Mimicking the Acute Myeloid Leukemia Niche for Molecular Study and Drug Screening

Bone marrow niche is a major contributing factor in leukemia development and drug resistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Although mimicking leukemic bone marrow niche relies on two-dimensional (2D) culture conditions, it cannot recapitulate complex bone marrow structure that causes introduction of different three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds. Simultaneously, microfluidic platform by perfusing medium culture mimic interstitial fluid flow, along with 3D scaffold would help for mimicking bone marrow microenvironment. In this study TF-1 cells were cocultured with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in 2D and 3D microfluidic devices. Phenotype maintenance during cell culture and proliferation rate was assayed and confirmed by cell cycle analysis. Morphology of cells in 2D and 3D culture conditions was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy. After these experiments, drug screening was performed by applying azacitidine and cytarabine and cytotoxicity assay and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) were done to compare drug resistance in 2D and 3D culture conditions. Our result shows leukemic cells in 3D microfluidic device retaining their phenotype and proliferation rate was significantly higher in 3D culture condition in comparison to 2D culture condition (p < 0.05), which was confirmed by cell cycle analysis. Cytotoxicity assay also illustrated drug resistance in 3D culture condition and qRT-PCR demonstrated higher BCL2 expression in 3D microfluidic device in contrast to 2D microfluidic device (p < 0.05). On balance, mimicking bone marrow niche would help the target therapy and specify the role of niche in development of leukemia in AML patients.

Skeletal complications in cancer patients with bone metastases

As a result of significant improvements in current therapies, the life expectancy of cancer patients with bone metastases has dramatically improved. Unfortunately, these patients often experience skeletal complications that significantly impair their quality of life. The major skeletal complications associated with bone metastases include: cancer-induced bone pain, hypercalcemia, pathological bone fractures, metastatic epidural spinal cord compression and cancer cachexia. Once cancer cells invade the bone, they perturb the normal physiology of the marrow microenvironment, resulting in bone destruction, which is believed to be a direct cause of skeletal complications. However, full understanding of the mechanisms responsible for these complications remains unknown. In the present review, we discuss the complications associated with bone metastases along with matched conventional therapeutic strategies. A better understanding of this topic is crucial, as targeting skeletal complications can improve both the morbidity and mortality of patients suffering from bone metastases.

Advancing biomaterials of human origin for tissue engineering

Biomaterials have played an increasingly prominent role in the success of biomedical devices and in the development of tissue engineering, which seeks to unlock the regenerative potential innate to human tissues/organs in a state of deterioration and to restore or reestablish normal bodily function. Advances in our understanding of regenerative biomaterials and their roles in new tissue formation can potentially open a new frontier in the fast-growing field of regenerative medicine. Taking inspiration from the role and multi-component construction of native extracellular matrices (ECMs) for cell accommodation, the synthetic biomaterials produced today routinely incorporate biologically active components to define an artificial in vivo milieu with complex and dynamic interactions that foster and regulate stem cells, similar to the events occurring in a natural cellular microenvironment. The range and degree of biomaterial sophistication have also dramatically increased as more knowledge has accumulated through materials science, matrix biology and tissue engineering. However, achieving clinical translation and commercial success requires regenerative biomaterials to be not only efficacious and safe but also cost-effective and convenient for use and production. Utilizing biomaterials of human origin as building blocks for therapeutic purposes has provided a facilitated approach that closely mimics the critical aspects of natural tissue with regard to its physical and chemical properties for the orchestration of wound healing and tissue regeneration. In addition to directly using tissue transfers and transplants for repair, new applications of human-derived biomaterials are now focusing on the use of naturally occurring biomacromolecules, decellularized ECM scaffolds and autologous preparations rich in growth factors/non-expanded stem cells to either target acceleration/magnification of the body's own repair capacity or use nature's paradigms to create new tissues for restoration. In particular, there is increasing interest in separating ECMs into simplified functional domains and/or biopolymeric assemblies so that these components/constituents can be discretely exploited and manipulated for the production of bioscaffolds and new biomimetic biomaterials. Here, following an overview of tissue auto-/allo-transplantation, we discuss the recent trends and advances as well as the challenges and future directions in the evolution and application of human-derived biomaterials for reconstructive surgery and tissue engineering. In particular, we focus on an exploration of the structural, mechanical, biochemical and biological information present in native human tissue for bioengineering applications and to provide inspiration for the design of future biomaterials.

Dental pulp stem cells. Biology and use for periodontal tissue engineering

Inflammatory periodontal disease is a major cause of loss of tooth-supporting structures. Novel approaches for regeneration of periodontal apparatus is an area of intensive research. Periodontal tissue engineering implies the use of appropriate regenerative cells, delivered through a suitable scaffold, and guided through signaling molecules. Dental pulp stem cells have been used in an increasing number of studies in dental tissue engineering. Those cells show mesenchymal (stromal) stem cell-like properties including self-renewal and multilineage differentiation potentials, aside from their relative accessibility and pleasant handling properties. The purpose of this article is to review the biological principles of periodontal tissue engineering, along with the challenges facing the development of a consistent and clinically relevant tissue regeneration platform. This article includes an updated review on dental pulp stem cells and their applications in periodontal regeneration, in combination with different scaffolds and growth factors.

Skeletal muscle Ca(2+) mishandling: Another effect of bone-to-muscle signaling

Our appreciation of crosstalk between muscle and bone has recently expanded beyond mechanical force-driven events to encompass a variety of signaling factors originating in one tissue and communicating to the other. While the recent identification of new 'myokines' has shifted some focus to the role of muscle in this partnership, bone-derived factors and their effects on skeletal muscle should not be overlooked. This review summarizes some previously known mediators of bone-to-muscle signaling and also recent work identifying a new role for bone-derived TGF-β as a cause of skeletal muscle weakness in the setting of cancer-induced bone destruction. Oxidation of the ryanodine receptor/calcium release channel (RyR1) in skeletal muscle occurs via a TGF-β-Nox4-RyR1 axis and leads to calcium mishandling and decreased muscle function. Multiple points of potential therapeutic intervention were identified, from preventing the bone destruction to stabilizing the RYR1 calcium channel. This new data reinforces the concept that bone can be an important source of signaling factors in pathphysiological settings.

Bone morphogenetic protein-7: Review of signalling and efficacy in fracture healing

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a group of signalling molecules that belong to the transforming growth factor-β superfamily of proteins. Initially identified for their ability to induce bone formation, recent advances in the understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms regarding BMPs have led to the use of the growth factor to accelerate bone healing. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that BMPs, BMP-7 in particular, may present an alternative line of treatment other than the gold standard, autogenous bone grafting, in the treatment of fracture nonunion. We performed a literature search in September 2014 of PubMed and Embase using search terms, including "bone morphogenetic proteins", "BMP-7", "non-union", "fracture healing" and "cost-effectiveness", reviewing the efficacy, safety, and cost of treatment of nonunions with BMP-7. The authors further canvassed the reference lists of selected articles and used online search tools, such as Google Scholar. BMP-7 uses both the canonical and noncanonical signalling pathways. The treatment of fracture nonunion with recombinant human BMP-7 (rhBMP-7) has a comparable efficacy with that of autogenous bone grafting with an average union rate of 87% compared with 93% for bone grafting. Furthermore, fewer complications have been described with the use of rhBMP-7 compared with traditional bone grafting. We describe the signalling pathways that BMP-7 uses to exert its effect on bone. In nonunions, rhBMP-7 has been shown to have a similar efficacy to bone grafting with fewer complications.

Repair of massively defected hemi-joints using demineralized osteoarticular allografts with protected cartilage

Surgical replacement of massively defected joints necessarily relies on osteochondral grafts effective to both of bone and cartilage. Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) retains the osteoconductivity but destroys viable chondrocytes in the cartilage portion essential for successful restoration of defected joints. This study prepared osteochondral grafts of DBM with protected cartilage. Protected cartilage portions was characterized by cellular and molecular biology and the grafts were allogenically used for grafting. Protected cartilage showed similar histomorphological structure and protected proteins estimated by total proteins and cartilage specific proteins as in those of fresh controls when DBMs were generated in bone portions. Such grafts were successfully used for simultaneously repair of bone and cartilage in massively defected osteoarticular joints within 16 weeks post-surgery. These results present an allograft with clinical potential for simultaneous restoration of bone and cartilage in defected joints.

Cancer-associated muscle weakness: What's bone got to do with it?

Cancer-associated muscle weakness is an important paraneoplastic syndrome for which there is currently no treatment. Tumor cells commonly metastasize to bone in advanced cancer to disrupt normal bone remodeling and result in morbidity that includes muscle weakness. Tumor in bone stimulates excessive osteoclast activity, which causes the release of growth factors stored in the mineralized bone matrix. These factors fuel a feed-forward vicious cycle of tumor growth in bone and bone destruction. Recent evidence indicates that these bone-derived growth factors can act systemically to cause muscle weakness. Muscle weakness can be caused by reduced muscle mass or reduced muscle function; in advanced disease, it is likely due to a combination of both reduced quantity and quality of muscle. In this review, we discuss possible mechanisms that lead to skeletal muscle weakness due to bone metastases.

Osteogenic embryoid body-derived material induces bone formation in vivo

The progressive loss of endogenous regenerative capacity that accompanies mammalian aging has been attributed at least in part to alterations in the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition of adult tissues. Thus, creation of a more regenerative microenvironment, analogous to embryonic morphogenesis, may be achieved via pluripotent embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation and derivation of devitalized materials as an alternative to decellularized adult tissues, such as demineralized bone matrix (DBM). Transplantation of devitalized ESC materials represents a novel approach to promote functional tissue regeneration and reduce the inherent batch-to-batch variability of allograft-derived materials. In this study, the osteoinductivity of embryoid body-derived material (EBM) was compared to DBM in a standard in vivo ectopic osteoinduction assay in nude mice. EBM derived from EBs differentiated for 10 days with osteogenic media (+β-glycerophosphate) exhibited similar osteoinductivity to active DBM (osteoinduction score = 2.50 ± 0.27 vs. 2.75 ± 0.16) based on histological scoring, and exceeded inactive DBM (1.13 ± 0.13, p < 0.005). Moreover, EBM stimulated formation of new bone, ossicles, and marrow spaces, similar to active DBM. The potent osteoinductivity of EBM demonstrates that morphogenic factors expressed by ESCs undergoing osteogenic differentiation yield a novel devitalized material capable of stimulating de novo bone formation in vivo.

Evaluation of polyvinyl alcohol composite membranes containing collagen and bone particles

Composite biomaterials provide alternative materials that improve on the properties of the individual components and can be used to replace or restore damaged or diseased tissues. Typically, a composite biomaterial consists of a matrix, often a polymer, with one or more fillers that can be made up of particles, sheets or fibres. The polymer matrix can be chosen from a wide range of compositions and can be fabricated easily and rapidly into complex shapes and structures. In the present study we have examined three size fractions of collagen-containing particles embedded at up to 60% w/w in a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix. The particles used were bone particles, which are a mineral-collagen composite and demineralised bone, which gives naturally cross-linked collagen particles. SEM showed well dispersed particles in the PVA matrix for all concentrations and sizes of particles, with FTIR suggesting collagen to PVA hydrogen bonding. Tg of membranes shifted to a slightly lower temperature with increasing collagen content, along with a minor amount of melting point depression. The modulus and tensile strength of membranes were improved with the addition of both particles up to 10 wt%, and were clearly strengthened by the addition, although this effect decreased with higher collagen loadings. Elongation at break decreased with collagen content. Cell adhesion to the membranes was observed associated with the collagen particles, indicating a lack of cytotoxicity.

Use of demineralized bone matrix in the extremities

Autologous bone graft is considered as the gold standard for all indications for bone grafting procedures but the limited availability and complications in donor site resulted in seeking other options like allografts and bone graft substitutes. Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is an allograft product with no quantity limitation. It is an osteoconductive material with osteoinductive capabilities, which vary among different products, depending on donor characteristics and differences in processing of the bone. The purpose of the present review is to provide a critical review of the existing literature concerning the use of DBM products in various procedures in the extremities. Clinical studies describing the use of DBM alone or in combination with other grafting material are available for only a few commercial products. The Level of Evidence of these studies and the resulting Grades of Recommendation are very low. In conclusion, further clinical studies of higher quality are required in order to improve the Recommendation Grades for or against the use of DBM products in bone grafting procedures.

Characterization of bone marrow mononuclear cells on biomaterials for bone tissue engineering in vitro

Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMCs) are suitable for bone tissue engineering. Comparative data regarding the needs of BMC for the adhesion on biomaterials and biocompatibility to various biomaterials are lacking to a large extent. Therefore, we evaluated whether a surface coating would enhance BMC adhesion and analyze the biocompatibility of three different kinds of biomaterials. BMCs were purified from human bone marrow aspirate samples. Beta tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP, without coating or coated with fibronectin or human plasma), demineralized bone matrix (DBM), and bovine cancellous bone (BS) were assessed. Seeding efficacy on β-TCP was 95% regardless of the surface coating. BMC demonstrated a significantly increased initial adhesion on DBM and β-TCP compared to BS. On day 14, metabolic activity was significantly increased in BMC seeded on DBM in comparison to BMC seeded on BS. Likewise increased VEGF-synthesis was observed on day 2 in BMC seeded on DBM when compared to BMC seeded on BS. The seeding efficacy of BMC on uncoated biomaterials is generally high although there are differences between these biomaterials. Beta-TCP and DBM were similar and both superior to BS, suggesting either as suitable materials for spatial restriction of BMC used for regenerative medicine purposes in vivo.

Production of an osteoinductive demineralised bone matrix powder without the use of organic solvents

Demineralised bone matrix (DBM) is produced by grinding cortical bone into a powder, sieving the powder to obtain a desired size range and then demineralising the powder using acid. Protocols for the production of DBM powder have been published since 1965 and the powder can be used in lyophilised form or it can be mixed with a carrier to produce a paste or putty. The powder is generally produced from cortical bone which has been processed to remove blood, bone marrow and bone marrow components, including fat. Removal of fat is accomplished by incorporating incubation in an organic solvent, often chloroform, chloroform/methanol or acetone. The use of organic solvents in a clean room environment in a human tissue bank is problematic and involves operator exposure and the potential for the solvent to be trapped in air filters or recirculated throughout the clean room suite. Consequently, in this study, we have developed a cortical bone washing step which removes fat/lipid without the use of an organic solvent. Bone was prepared from six femoral shafts from three donors by dissecting soft tissue and bisecting the shaft, the shafts were then cut into ~9-10 cm lengths. These struts were then taken through a series of hot water washes at 56-59 °C, centrifugation and decontamination steps. Washed cortical struts were then lyophilised before being ground with a compressed air milling machine. The ground bone was sieved, demineralised, freeze-dried and terminally sterilised with a target dose of 25 kGy gamma irradiation. The DBM powder was evaluated for residual calcium content, in vitro cytotoxicity and osteoinductivity by implantation into the muscle of an athymic mouse. Data indicated that in addition to removing in excess of 97% DNA and extractable soluble protein, the washing protocol reduced lipid 10,000-fold. The processed bone was easily ground without clogging the grinder; the sterilised DBM powder was not cytotoxic but was osteoinductive in the animal model. Therefore, we have developed a method of producing osteoinductive DBM without the need to use organic solvents.

Growth factors in orthopaedic surgery: demineralized bone matrix versus recombinant bone morphogenetic proteins

During recent decades the utilisation of growth factors, especially BMPs, has received an increasing interest in orthopaedic surgery. For clinical implantation the two main options are demineralised bone matrix (DBM) and recombinant bone morphogenetic proteins (rhBMP). Many clinical studies agree on an equivalent osteoinductive effect between DBM, BMPs and autologous bone graft; however, the different origins and processing of DBM and rhBMP may introduce some fluctuations. Their respective characteristics are reviewed and possible interactions with their effectiveness are analysed. The main difference concerns the concentration of BMPs, which varies to an order of magnitude of 10(6) between DBM and rhBMPs. This may explain the variability in efficiency of some products and the adverse effects. Currently, considering osteoinductive properties, safety and availability, the DBM seems to offer several advantages. However, if DBM and rhBMPs are useful in some indications, their effectiveness and safety can be improved and more evidence-based studies are needed to better define the indications.

Molecular mechanisms of bone metastasis and associated muscle weakness

Bone is a preferred site for breast cancer metastasis and leads to pathologic bone loss due to increased osteoclast-induced bone resorption. The homing of tumor cells to the bone depends on the support of the bone microenvironment in which the tumor cells prime the premetastatic niche. The colonization and growth of tumor cells then depend on adaptations in the invading tumor cells to take advantage of normal physiologic responses by mimicking bone marrow cells. This concerted effort by tumor cells leads to uncoupled bone remodeling in which the balance of osteoclast-driven bone resorption and osteoblast-driven bone deposition is lost. Breast cancer bone metastases often lead to osteolytic lesions due to hyperactive bone resorption. Release of growth factors from bone matrix during resorption then feeds a "vicious cycle" of bone destruction leading to many skeletal-related events. In addition to activity in bone, some of the factors released during bone resorption are also known to be involved in skeletal muscle regeneration and contraction. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms that lead to osteolytic breast cancer bone metastases and the potential for cancer-induced bone-muscle cross-talk leading to skeletal muscle weakness.

Analysis of parameters influencing the release of antibiotics mixed with bone grafting material using a reliable mixing procedure

Local infections arising from fracture fixation, defect reconstruction or joint replacement can cause extreme pain and impaired healing, lead to revision operations, prolong hospital stay and increase costs. Treatment options including prophylaxis are afforded by the use of grafts and biomaterials loaded with antibiotics. These can produce local therapeutic concentrations with a reduced systemic concentration and reduced systemic side-effects. Patient-specific loading of osteogenic graft materials with antibiotic could be an important option for orthopaedic surgeons. A local therapeutic concentration must be available for the desired duration and cytotoxic effects must be kept within an acceptable range. The present study investigates a simple and reliable mixing procedure that could be used for the perioperative combination of antibiotic powders and solutions with bone grafting materials. The potential influence of concentration and sampling regime on the release kinetics of gentamicin, tobramycin and vancomycin was studied over a period of 56days and potency and cytotoxicity were evaluated. In all treatment groups, gentamicin and tobramycin were completely released within 3days whilst vancomycin was released over a period of 14days. The results clearly show that the main parameter influencing release is the molecular weight of the drug. Growth of Staphylococcus aureus was inhibited in all 3 treatment groups for at least 3days. Cell viability and alkaline phosphatase activity of primary osteoblast-like cells were not significantly affected by the antibiotic concentrations obtained from the elution experiments. Bone grafting is an established component of surgery for bone defect filling and for biological stimulation of healing. Patient-specific enhancement of such procedures by incorporation of antibiotics for infection prevention or by addition of cytokines for promotion of impaired healing or for treatment of critical size defects will be a relevant issue in the future.

Use of demineralized bone matrix in spinal fusion

Spinal fusion remains the gold-standard treatment for several pathological spine conditions. Although, autologous Iliac Crest Bone Grafting is considered the gold-standard graft choice to promote spinal fusion; however, it is associated with significant donor site morbidity and a limited graft quantity. Therefore, several bone graft alternatives have been developed, to augment arthrodesis. The purpose of this review is to present the results of clinical studies concerning the use of demineralized bone matrix (DBM), alone or as a composite graft, in the spinal fusion. A critical review of the English-language literature was conducted on Pubmed, using key word “demineralized bone matrix”, “DBM”, “spinal fusion”, and “scoliosis”. Results had been restricted to clinical studies. The majority of clinical trials demonstrate satisfactory fusion rates when DBM is employed as a graft extender or a graft enhancer. Limited number of prospective randomized controlled trials (4 studies), have been performed comparing DBM to autologous iliac crest bone graft in spine fusion. The majority of the clinical trials demonstrate comparable efficacy of DBM when it used as a graft extender in combination with autograft, but there is no clinical evidence to support its use as a standalone graft material. Additionally, high level of evidence studies are required, in order to optimize and clarify the indications of its use and the appropriate patient population that will benefit from DBM in spine arthrodesis.

Demineralized bone matrix and platelet-rich plasma do not improve healing of osteochondral defects of the talus: an experimental goat study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) with and without platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of osteochondral defects (OCDs) of the talus. We hypothesized that treatment with DBM would result in more bone formation than no treatment in control OCDs, and that PRP would further enhance the regenerative capacity of DBM.

METHOD

A standardized 6-mm OCD was created in each talus of 16 adult goats. According to a randomization scheme, one OCD of each goat was treated with allogeneic DBM hydrated with normal saline (n = 8) or hydrated with autologous PRP (n = 8). The contralateral OCD (n = 16) served as control. After 24 weeks, the animals were euthanized and the tali excised. Various outcome parameters were analyzed with use of macroscopic evaluation, micro-computed tomography (μCT), histology, histomorphometry, and fluorescence microscopy.

RESULTS

None of the analyses revealed statistically significant differences between the groups for any of the parameters analyzed in any volume of interest. For example, the mean bone volume fraction (BV/TV) of the defect, as measured by μCT, was 0.56 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44-0.68) for DBM hydrated with normal saline and 0.52 (95% CI, 0.40-0.65) for DBM hydrated with PRP, compared to 0.53 (95% CI, 0.45-0.61) and 0.54 (95% CI, 0.44-0.64) for the internal controls, respectively (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In contrast to our hypotheses, no beneficial treatment effect of DBM with or without PRP was found for OCDs of the caprine talus.

Tissue engineering strategies in spinal arthrodesis: the clinical imperative and challenges to clinical translation

Skeletal disorders requiring the regeneration or de novo production of bone present considerable reconstructive challenges and are one of the main driving forces for the development of skeletal tissue engineering strategies. The skeletal or mesenchymal stem cell is a fundamental requirement for osteogenesis and plays a pivotal role in the design and application of these strategies. Research activity has focused on incorporating the biological role of the mesenchymal stem cell with the developing fields of material science and gene therapy in order to create a construct that is not only capable of inducing host osteoblasts to produce bone, but is also osteogenic in its own right. This review explores the clinical need for reparative approaches in spinal arthrodesis, identifying recent tissue engineering strategies employed to promote spinal fusion, and considers the ongoing challenges to successful clinical translation.

NELL-1 based demineralized bone graft promotes rat spine fusion as compared to commercially available BMP-2 product

BACKGROUND

Spinal fusion is among the most commonly performed orthopaedic procedures. Unfortunately, current treatments such as autologous bone grafting or recombinant proteins (BMP-2) have numerous clinical shortcomings. Here, we directly compare the efficacy of NELL-1, a novel osteoinductive growth factor, to two currently available treatments, (1) recombinant BMP-2 and (2) iliac crest bone grafting, in a spinal fusion model.

METHODS

Twenty-six skeletally mature athymic rats underwent posterolateral spine fusion of L4/L5 vertebrae. Treatment groups included NELL-1 (10 and 50 μg) in a demineralized bone matrix (DBX), as compared to BMP-2 (90 μg) in an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) or morselized iliac crest bone. Scaffolds without recombinant protein were used as controls. Animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks post-operative and fusion was assessed by manual palpation, radiography [high-resolution X-ray, micro-computed tomography (microCT)], histology (hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome) and immunohistochemistry (osteocalcin).

RESULTS

Results showed 100 % fusion in all NELL-1- and BMP-2-treated samples. In contrast, lower rates of fusion were observed in scaffold-only and bone graft treatment groups. MicroCT scans revealed radiographic evidence of fusion among spines treated with NELL-1. Bone bridging was also observed with BMP-2 treatment, but was accompanied by inner radiolucency, suggesting cyst-like bone formation. Histologically, NELL-1-treated grafts showed increased bone formation, endochondral ossification and vascularization. Although BMP-2 treated grafts exhibited increased bone formation and angiogenesis, numerous adipocytes were also observed.

CONCLUSION

NELL-1-based bone grafts are comparable to BMP-2 + ACS in spinal fusion efficacy. Histological differences were observed however, including robust endochondral ossification with NELL-1 treatment as compared to lipid-filled bone with BMP-2 treatment. These findings suggest NELL-1 based bone grafts show promise for future efforts in skeletal tissue engineering.

Wnt pathway regulation by demineralized bone is approximated by both BMP-2 and TGF-β1 signaling

Allogeneic demineralized bone is used extensively as a clinical graft material because it has osteo/chondroinductive and osteoconductive properties. Demineralized bone powder (DBP) induces chondrogenic differentiation of human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs) in three-dimensional collagen cultures, but the initiating mechanisms have not been fully characterized nor has it been shown that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) recapitulate DBP's effects on target cells. Among the many signaling pathways regulated in hDFs by DBP prior to in vitro chondrogenesis, there are changes in Wnts and their receptors that may contribute to DBP actions. This study tests the hypothesis that DBP modulation of Wnt signaling entails both BMP and TGF-β pathways. We compared the effects of DBP, TGF-β1, or BMP-2 on Wnt signaling components in hDFs by Wnt signaling macroarray, RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and Western immunoblot analyses. Many effects of DBP on Wnt signaling components were not shared by BMP-2, and likewise DBP effects on Wnt genes and β-catenin only partially required the TGF-β pathway, as shown by selective inhibition of TGF-β/activin receptor-like kinase. The analyses revealed that 64% (16/25) of the Wnt signaling components regulated by DBP were regulated similarly by the sum of effects by BMP-2 and by TGF-β1. In conclusion, signaling mechanisms of inductive DBP in human dermal fibroblasts involve the modulation of multiple Wnt signals through both BMP and TGF-β pathways.

Use of bone graft substitutes in the management of tibial plateau fractures

The current available evidence for the use of bone graft substitutes in the management of subchondral bone defects associated with tibial plateau fractures as to their efficiency and safety has been collected following a literature review of the Ovid MEDLINE (1948-Present) and EMBASE (1980-Present). Nineteen studies were analysed reporting on 672 patients (674 fractures), with a mean age of 50.35 years (range 15-89), and a gender ratio of 3/2 males/females. The graft substitutes evaluated in the included studies were calcium phosphate cement, hydroxyapatite granules, calcium sulphate, bioactive glass, tricalcium phosphate, demineralised bone matrix, allografts, and xenograft. Fracture healing was uneventful in over 90% of the cases over a variant period of time. Besides two studies reporting on injectable calcium phosphate cement excellent incorporation was reported within 6 to 36 months post-surgery. No correlation was made by any of the authors between poor incorporation/resorption and adverse functional or radiological outcome. Secondary collapse of the knee joint surface ≥ 2 mm was reported in 8.6% in the biological substitutes (allograft, DBM, and xenograft), 5.4% in the hydroxyapatite, 3.7% in the calcium phosphate cement, and 11.1% in the calcium sulphate cases. The recorded incidence of primary surgical site and donor site infection (3.6%) was not statistically significant different, however donor site-related pain was reported up to 12 months following autologous iliac bone graft (AIBG) harvest. Shorter total operative time, greater tolerance of early weight bearing, improved early functional outcomes within the first year post-surgery was also recorded in the studies reporting on the use of injectable calcium phosphate cement (Norian SRS). Despite a lack of good quality randomised control trials, there is arguably sufficient evidence supporting the use of bone graft substitutes at the clinical setting of depressed plateau fractures.

Demineralized bone matrix as a vehicle for delivering endogenous and exogenous therapeutics in bone repair

As a unique human bone extract approved for implant use, demineralized bone matrix (DBM) retains substantial amounts of endogenous osteoconductive and osteoinductive proteins. Commercial preparations of DBM represent a clinically accessible, familiar, widely used and degradable bone-filling device, available in composite solid, strip/piece, and semi-solid paste forms. Surgically placed and/or injected, DBM releases its constituent compounds to bone sites with some evidence for inducing new bone formation and accelerating healing. Significantly, DBM also has preclinical history as a drug carrier by direct loading and delivery of several important classes of therapeutics. Exogenous bioactive agents, including small molecule drugs, protein and peptide drugs, nucleic acid drugs and transgenes and therapeutic cells have been formulated within DBM and released to bone sites to enhance DBM's intrinsic biological activity. Local release of these agents from DBM directly to surgical sites in bone provides improved control of dosing and targeting of both endogenous and exogenous bioactivity in the context of bone healing using a clinically familiar product. Given DBM's long clinical track record and commercial accessibility in standard forms and sources, opportunities to formulate DBM as a versatile matrix to deliver therapeutic agents locally to bone sites in orthopedic repair and regenerative medicine contexts are attractive.

Adipose-derived stem cells combined with a demineralized cancellous bone substrate for bone regeneration

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from cadaveric adipose tissue can be obtained in large quantities, and have been reported in the literature to be capable of inducing bone formation in vivo and ex vivo.( 1-6 ) The hypothesis tested whether a demineralized cancellous bone matrix (DCBM) can provide an effective substrate for selection and retention of stem cells derived from the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of adipose. Human cadaveric adipose tissue was recovered from a donor and digested. The resulting SVF-containing MSCs were seeded onto the demineralized bone allografts, after which the nonadherent cells were washed off. The MSCs were characterized using a flow cytometer and tri-lineage differentiation (osteogenesis, chondrogenesis, and adipogenesis) in vitro. The stem cell-seeded allografts were also characterized for cell number, adherence to the DCBM, osteogenic activity (alkaline phosphatase and Alizarin Red staining), and bone morphorgenic protein (BMP) quantity. Flow cytometry identified a mean total of 7.2% MSCs in SVF and 87.2% MSCs after culture. The stem cells showed the capability of differentiating into bone, cartilage, and fat. On the 21 stem cell-seeded bone allografts, there were consistent, attached, viable cells (100,744±22,762 cells/cube). An assessment of donor age, gender, and body mass index revealed no significant differences in cell numbers. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed the presence of BMP-2 and BMP-7. In conclusion, this bone graft contains three key elements for bone regeneration: adhered osteogenic stem cells, 3D osteoconductive bone scaffold, and osteoinductive BMP signal. It therefore has the potential to be effective for bone regeneration.

Impregnation of bone chips with alendronate and cefazolin, combined with demineralized bone matrix: a bone chamber study in goats

Background

Bone grafts from bone banks might be mixed with bisphosphonates to inhibit the osteoclastic response. This inhibition prevents the osteoclasts to resorb the allograft bone before new bone has been formed by the osteoblasts, which might prevent instability. Since bisphosphonates may not only inhibit osteoclasts, but also osteoblasts and thus bone formation, we studied different bisphosphonate concentrations combined with allograft bone. We investigated whether locally applied alendronate has an optimum dose with respect to bone resorption and formation. Further, we questioned whether the addition of demineralized bone matrix (DBM), would stimulate bone formation. Finally, we studied the effect of high levels of antibiotics on bone allograft healing, since mixing allograft bone with antibiotics might reduce the infection risk.

Methods

25 goats received eight bone conduction chambers in the cortical bone of the proximal medial tibia. Five concentrations of alendronate (0, 0.5 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL, 2 mg/mL, and 10 mg/mL) were tested in combination with allograft bone and supplemented with cefazolin (200 μg/mL). Allograft not supplemented with alendronate and cefazolin served as control. In addition, allograft mixed with demineralized bone matrix, with and without alendronate, was tested. After 12 weeks, graft bone area and new bone area were determined with manual point counting.

Results

Graft resorption decreased significantly (p < 0.001) with increasing alendronate concentration. The area of new bone in the 1 mg/mL alendronate group was significantly (p = 0.002) higher when compared to the 10 mg/mL group. No differences could be observed between the group without alendronate, but with demineralized bone, and the control groups.

Conclusions

A dose-response relationship for local application of alendronate has been shown in this study. Most new bone was present at 1 mg/mL alendronate. Local application of cefazolin had no effect on bone remodelling.

The in vitro elution of BMP-7 from demineralized bone matrix

Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) grafts induce new bone formation by locally releasing matrix-associated growth factors, such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), to the surrounding tissue after implantation. However, the release kinetics of BMPs from DBM lack characterization. Such information can potentially help to improve processing techniques to maximize graft osteoinductive potential, as well as increase understanding of the osteoinductive process itself. We produced DBM with three particle size ranges from bovine cortical bone, i.e., <106, 106-300, and 300-710 μm and extracted 1.5 g of each size range in 40 ml of Sorensen's buffer at room temperature for up to 168 h. The BMP-7 concentration of the DBM and the buffer were measured at each time point using enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. Based on measurement of the concentration of BMP-7 in the buffer, the 0-8 h elution rate was high, i.e., 3.3, 2.9, and 2.2 ng BMP-7/g DBM h, and for the 8-168 h interval was much lower, at 0.039, 0.15, and 0.11 ng BMP-7/g DBM h for the three size ranges, respectively. By 168 h, there was no indication that elution was nearing completion. Measurement of the residual BMP-7 remaining in the DBM as a function of time yielded unexpected results, i.e., after the BMP-7 content of the DBM declined for the first 4-6 h, it paradoxically increased for the remaining interval. We propose a two-compartment model to help explain these results in terms of the possible distribution of BMP-7 in bone matrix.

Allograft bone matrix versus synthetic bone graft substitutes

Autologous bone is used very often in the treatment of fresh fractures, delayed unions and non-unions. Alternatives have included allografts and in recent years also demineralized bone matrix. The growing availability of good synthetic bone grafts and their advantages in safety and avoiding donor-site morbidity are the reasons that these products are being used more and more. There are on the market a wide variety of substitutes with different capabilities. Nevertheless autologous bone graft is still considered as the gold standard and will be discussed here in that context. Osteoconductive, osteogenic and osteoinductive products will also be classified and their advantages and disadvantages described.

What should be the characteristics of the ideal bone graft substitute? Combining scaffolds with growth factors and/or stem cells

Reconstruction of large bone defects or non-unions resulting from biochemical disorders, tumour resections or complicated fractures is still a challenge for orthopaedic and trauma surgery. On the one hand, autografts harbour most features of ideal bone graft substitutes but on the other hand, they have a lot insurmountable disadvantages. An ideal bone graft substitute should be biomechanically stable, able to degrade within an appropriate time frame, exhibit osteoconductive, osteogenic and osteoinductive properties and provide a favourable environment for invading blood vessels and bone forming cells. Whilst osteoconductivity of biomaterials for bone tissue engineering strategies can be directed by their composition, surface character and internal structure, osteoinductive and osteogenic features can be provided by growth factors originally participating in fracture healing and/or multipotent mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSC) capable of rebuilding bone and marrow structures. In this review, aspects of the clinical application of the most commonly used growth factors for bone repair, the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), and the potential use of human MSC for clinical application will be discussed.

Nell-1 protein promotes bone formation in a sheep spinal fusion model

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are widely used as bone graft substitutes in spinal fusion, but are associated with numerous adverse effects. The growth factor Nel-like molecule-1 (Nell-1) is mechanistically distinct from BMPs and can minimize complications associated with BMP therapies. This study evaluates the efficacy of Nell-1 combined with demineralized bone matrix (DBM) as a novel bone graft material for interbody spine fusion using sheep, a phylogenetically advanced animal with biomechanical similarities to human spine. Nell-1+sheep DBM or Nell-1+heat-inactivated DBM (inDBM) (to determine the osteogenic effect of residual growth factors in DBM) were implanted in surgical sites as follows: (1) DBM only (control) (n=8); (2) DBM+0.3 mg/mL Nell-1 (n=8); (3) DBM+0.6 mg/mL Nell-1 (n=8); (4) inDBM only (control) (n=4); (5) inDBM+0.3 mg/mL Nell-1 (n=4); (6) inDBM+0.6 mg/mL Nell-1 (n=4). Fusion was assessed by computed tomography, microcomputed tomography, and histology. One hundred percent fusion was achieved by 3 months in the DBM+0.6 mg/mL Nell-1 group and by 4 months in the inDBM+0.6 mg/mL Nell-1 group; bone volume and mineral density were increased by 58% and 47%, respectively. These fusion rates are comparable to published reports on BMP-2 or autograft bone efficacy in sheep. Nell-1 is an independently potent osteogenic molecule that is efficacious and easily applied when combined with DBM.

Platelet gel in the treatment of cutaneous ulcers: the experience of the Immunohaematology and Transfusion Centre of Parma

BACKGROUND

Platelet gel is being ever more frequently used to promote healing of cutaneous ulcers. However, the factors that determine the often variable clinical outcome of this procedure are still incompletely understood.

AIMS

The aims of this study were to demonstrate that platelet gel, even when obtained under strictly controlled conditions, produces highly variable outcomes in patients with cutaneous ulcers and to propose a method for in vitro standardisation of the biological properties of platelet gel. MATERIAL AND METHODS.: Patients were enrolled on the basis of a pre-defined protocol. Platelet concentrate was produced with standard methods, with a variability in platelet count among the different samples of less than 10%. The platelet gel for clinical use was obtained, under strictly standardized conditions, by adding thrombin and calcium gluconate to the concentrates. For in vitro studies, platelet gel, obtained from platelet-rich plasma from four donors, was frozen and thawed twice so as to increase gel contraction. The supernatant was used to modify cell proliferation, protein synthesis, and the expression of selected genes in cultures of human diploid fibroblasts.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients (aged 44-78 years) with ulcers (4 diabetic, 11 vascular, 1 post-traumatic, 1 decubitus) were treated with platelet gel (4 autologous, 13 homologous). Complete re-epithelialisation of four ulcers (1 diabetic, 1 post-traumatic, 2 vascular) was obtained after applications of platelet gel (2 autologous, 2 homologous); in 11 other cases there was a greater than 50% reduction in the size of the ulcer. Two patients had no benefit. The supernatant of the platelet gel was able to promote dose-dependent proliferation and changes in gene expression as well as in metabolic activities related to protein synthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the use of platelet gel in the treatment of cutaneous ulcers is increasing, and conditions for its production are better standardised, very considerable variability of clinical outcomes is still observed, even within single centres, suggesting that there are differences in biological properties of platelet concentrates from individual patients which cannot be readily controlled with current techniques. The biological effects of the platelet gel supernatant described in this article may provide the basis for a simple biological validation of platelet preparations before their clinical use, so as to reduce this potentially important source of variability.

Reamer-irrigator-aspirator bone graft and bi Masquelet technique for segmental bone defect nonunions: a review of 25 cases

INTRODUCTION

Segmental bone loss, either from trauma, tumor or infection is a challenging clinical entity. Amputation is a possible outcome and part of the decision making process. Surgical management is almost always needed and can require several interventions to obtain bone union. A staged protocol of obtaining a clean viable soft tissue bed, placement of a PMMA antibiotic impregnated spacer to induce a neovascular and bioactive membrane followed by autogenous bone graft has been reported with good outcomes. Our study attempts to expand on this data by evaluating the use of RIA bone graft for the treatment of segmental bone loss nonunions following trauma and or infection.

METHODS

Following IRB approval, two orthopaedic trauma fellowship trained surgeons used one surgical protocol for the management of segmental bone defect nonunions. Femur RIA bone graft was used as the graft source when possible. We retrospectively evaluated patients with segmental bone loss of the lower extremity over a two year period. Our primary endpoint was clinical and radiographic bone union. A secondary endpoint was RIA related complications. Additionally, by using some known mathematical equations, we show a plausible way of quantifying the amount of bone loss from a long bone based on the shape of the bone, defect shape and the measured length of bone loss on plain radiograph.

RESULTS

25 patients with 27 segmental bone loss nonunions were evaluated. Nineteen were tibia bone loss and eight were femoral. 15 (56%) nonunions were open fractures with bone loss and 12(46%) were for bone loss related to infection or surgical debridement. The average deficit size was 5.8 cm in length (range 1-25 cm). At six months and 1 year post operative, 70% and 90% nonunions were healed clinically and radiographically respectively. There were no RIA related complications.

DISCUSSION

RIA bone graft has been shown to be a very bioactive material. Several studies support the use of this bone graft for the treatment of nonunion including one recent study evaluating 13 patients with segmental bone loss. Our study expands on this data by evaluating its use as the primary source of bone graft for the treatment of segmental bone loss nonunions in the lower extremity.

CONCLUSION

RIA bone graft for the treatment of segmental bone defect nonunion of the lower extremity appears safe and can yield predictable results when following sound surgical principles. 90% of our nonunions were healed at one year following a single bone graft procedure. Very large defects, once a formidable clinical dilemma can be managed successfully with the use of RIA bone graft.